R Kelly's estranged wife drops restraining order against him

Sep 29, 2005, 11:28 GMT

R Kelly's estranged wife has dropped a restraining order against him - in the hope they can reconcile.

Andrea Kelly obtained the protection order earlier this month after claiming the R'n'B singer physically abused her, leaving her fearing for her safety. However, she has now dropped the legal restraint, saying she wants to patch things up with her husband, whose full name is Robert Kelly.

Her divorce lawyer, Donald C. Schiller, told America's Chicago Sun-Times newspaper: "Our client has retained civil counsel for the purpose of trying to work out their marital problems rather than proceeding in domestic violence court."

Kelly, who is currently facing child pornography charges, also believes he can save the marriage.

He said in a statement: "My wife and I had a heated argument, and we are now in the process of working it out. We hope that the press and public will give us the time and privacy we need to resolve this very personal situation."

Andrea, 31, who wed the star in 1996, originally requested the restraining order after Kelly allegedly attacked her when she asked for a divorce.

She said in court documents at the time: "Last summer I was slapped. We made up but I asked for a divorce and he pinned me down and continued to hit me yelling 'Don't you leave me. Why are you leaving me?' He says, 'I'm sorry, I'm not a wife beater, my hand was open. It's not like I did it for no reason. You made me do it.'"

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International